How to unfile a VAT return in QuickBooks Online

Whether you need to make corrections or adjustments to a previously filed return, understanding how to unfile a VAT return in QuickBooks can help you maintain accurate records and comply with HMRC regulations. 

This article will cover the how to:

• Unfile a VAT return
• Manage exceptions and payments

Important to know

• Only accountants/bookkeepers have the ability to unfile a VAT return.
• You can only unfile returns that are marked as filed or rejected in QuickBooks.
• Returns must be unfiled in chronological order, starting with the newest to oldest.
• You cannot unfile VAT returns that were successfully submitted in the past.
• If you need to make changes or corrections, such as adjusting the VAT accounting period dates or fixing a mistake on the return, you should reflect these corrections in the next submission rather than modifying the previously filed return.

Unfile a VAT return

1. Go to Taxes.
2. Select the VAT tab.
3. Next to the return you wish to unfile, select View Return.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions to proceed with the unfiling process.

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Manage exceptions and payments

If any VAT exceptions have been added, changed or deleted in the previously filed VAT period, make sure to download and save the following reports for your records before continuing.

1. Exceptions

To download the exception report for the period you want to unfile, follow these steps:

1. Go to Taxes.
2. Next to the tax period you wish to unfile, select the ▼dropdown arrow.
3. Select Exception detail.
4. Select Review and download.

To download the exception report for any exceptions that will apply to your next VAT return submission:

1. Go to Taxes.
2. Next to the current period, select the ▼dropdown arrow.
3. Select Exception detail.
4. Select Review and download.

Once you unfile the VAT period, the transactions in the previous exception report will be included in the open VAT period.

If you need to recreate the exceptions, you'll have to do it manually. Learn about VAT exceptions and reports.

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2. Payments

If you have payments attached to an unfiled VAT return, it's important to remove any incorrect payments before completing the VAT unfiling process. Here's how:

1. Go to Taxes.
2. Select Payments.
3. Under the Actions column, select View for the payment you want to remove.
4. Select Delete.

You can go ahead and unfile your VAT return and make the correct payment.

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